8 top tips to choosing a new TV

28/11/2017

1 Comment

8 top tips to consider before buying a new TV

Don’t you know that Christmas is round the corner?? I bet an inordinate number of wish lists have TV’s firmly etched on them. So following on from my highly interesting and informative blog “A good time to buy a 4K TV” I thought it prudent to release to the world a checklist of things to consider when buying the said 4K TV or any other TV to that effect. These 8 top tips to choosing a new TV are what I advise my customers on a daily basis but also what I apply to my home TV and audio visual set up. I have factored in these 8 tips to be as honest and as open as possible.

Choose the right screen size!

Start with the bleedin’ obvious as one can’t fit a square peg in a round hole. Bigger may not always be better too. Always choose a screen size appropriate for the distance you’ll be sitting from it otherwise you may feel engulfed in the film that you’ve decided to watch on a Saturday evening in. Not nice if it’s 50 Shades of Grey.

2. Screen Resolution

This determines the sharpness of the image and vary between 720 pixels (p), 1080p or full HD. Manufacturers are largely moving towards HDTV’s, Ultra HD and 4K which are your best bet for future proofing

3. Refresh Rates

This refers to the number of times the screen image is refreshed per second. The rate is measured in hertz (Hz) and you may have come across 60Hz, 120Hz or even 144Hz. The greater the refresh rate the smoother the flow ad there is a reduction in motion blur.

4. HDMI Ports

I’ve recently overlooked the fact that the TV I bought only had 2 HDMI ports. D’oh! Ended up having to introduce a HDMI matrix, at some cost I might add, to increase the HDMI capacity. The more ports the merrier, starting with at least 3. Be aware to ensure that they support HDMI 2.0 to accommodate future Ultra HD sources

5. Speakers

Speakers are a must as most TV sound quality is poor but may not necessarily be required in a small room. The siren of wonderful picture quality may draw you on to the rocks where you’ll be metaphorically smashed to smithereens by the dreadful tinny sound coming from the corner of the room. Don’t be frugal, get a sound bar/plinth/speakers etc.

6. Colour Depth

Most recognised manufacturers don’t disappoint in this department. Look out for TV’s that serve up 8 bits per channel (or more). This ensures the TV is able to create enough depth to satisfy the human eye and present a photo-realistic image.

7. Curved or flat TV?

I think that this really is a first world problem. An existential question such as “to be, or not to be”. Personally I think curved TV’s have run their gimmicky course. The theory was that the screen followed the shape of the eye making the curves of the picture look sharper than flat TV’s. But if you’re little Billy shoved to the end of the sofa and away from the optimal seating position the picture geometry/image may look distorted. So flat TV’s it is.

8. Smart TVs

In general, the Smart TVs can connect to the internet and can stream content that way. It comes with certain apps including Netflix, where some connect via Wi-Fi. If you don’t want wires and want a clutter-free life, a smart TV might be the best option.

How can I help you?

AB Aerials are the leading choice for aerial installation and repair in Sheffield and South Yorkshire. Contact us to find out how we can help you make the most of your TV and home entertainment!

Owner, AB Aerials - helping customers through the process of installing TV and radio aerials, satellite dishes and CCTV. AB Aerials has been trading for over 35 years so we must be doing something right. The secret is that we address customer fears. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn >>

Comments

Hi Steve
I got your details from Nigel Cowley as I want a TV fitted on a wall over a Log effect Fire which is deemed suitable to fit a TV over. I am in most days but not this Monday until early afternoon.
I live at :- 1 Storth Park, Fulwood Road, S10 3QH. I would be grateful for your advice.

As a premium roofing contractor The Roofing People need to work with honest, quality tradesmen.
Steve at AB aerials not only provides an outstanding service to his customers and mine, but endeavours to go the extra mile!
Well done Steve, keep up the good work!
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Steven set up three televisions. He arrived promptly at 8am as promised, was efficient, professional and clean. We experienced virtually no disruption. He was polite, personable and his charges were very reasonable. We recommend him 100%.read more

Steve at AB Aerials is a lovely chap. He turned up when he said he was going to and replaced my aerial and set up my TV so it was working again. He left my garden tidier than prior to arriving. I can thoroughly recommend himread more

Very responsive to initial enquiry, came when promised (next day), did the job with efficiency and to a very good standard. I've had less favourable experiences in the past with another business but Steven from AB Aerials was excellent. Highly recommended.read more

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New to the area and needed a new aerial so checked on line for others recommendations....AB stood out immediately and I’m pleased I went along with them....Steve was excellent and very prompt with both the quote and installation date (he fitted within 2 days of enquiring).....very reasonable prices and he arrived exactly when he said he would (some other traders should take note).... I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AB for any aerial work....excellent.read more

I rent out houses and have used ab aerials dozens of times over the years. Every job has been done promptly and professionally. Steve is friendly and easy to deal with. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.read more

First time using Steve, found him online. Sent a message late evening,he phoned me first thing in the morning. Told him what I wanted gave me rough idea how much & booked a time in straight away. Phoned me in the morning to check everything was ok & he would be about an hour. Brilliant job, lovely friendly guy & really reasonably priced. Definitely recommend!!!!!read more

AB fitted an aerial, it worked perfectly. Then we lost signal after clearing away weeds that had grown up close to the cable. Steve came back, tightened up a connection and left us with a smile, and no bill for the call out. One of the good guys.read more

I contacted Steven (A B Aerials) to replace our (very) old TV aerial. He was able to schedule in a time to do this very promptly. He arrived on the day with a colleague at exactly the time he said he would - at 8.15 in the morning! The work was done efficiently and with very little disturbance. Steven was also very helpful in offering recommendations for other tradesman for some other jobs we need doing. I would highly recommend A B Aerials. Thanks, Emma.read more

We contacted Steve to wall mount two flat screen tv's - one in a newly renovated kitchen and one in our lounge.
Steve was full of good ideas upon his first visit, offering constructive advice of digital solutions and ensuring all wired would be hidden properly and safely to ensure the end product would have the best look.
He fitted a new roof aerial, aerial cables, extended satellite cables and HDMI leads. Upon completion of plastering and decorating, Steve returned as planned to wall mount the tv's and set them up to our specification.
Overall his service was excellent and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to people. Thanks Steve!read more

Satellite dish installation at my daughter's house in Sheffield. Thoroughly professional from first contact to the clompeted job. Set up the new box for us with no mess and no fuss. If you need an aerial or satellite installation look no further get AB Aerials to do it.read more